The evening, or rather the night, was wearing fast away; the Sontag had sung three times, and those who had formed part of Lady Tilney's first _soirée choisie_ were soon to be left in possession only of the recollections--no--not the recollections--the life of the aggregate assembled there would banish such an exercise of mental powers--but in possession of the fact, that they had been of the chosen number; that they _had_ heard the favourite of the hour, _not_ in the too-frequented Opera, but in the privacy of the drawing-room; and that they alone could justly, therefore, weigh her merits, and determine her defects. In follies such as these a large portion of Lady Tilney's associates were sure to find gratification on the morrow. And it might have been well had all contented themselves with these, so comparatively harmless, although such worthless, fruits of _exclusive ton_; but it may be feared that, with some, the result of that evening, and the prospect of others to succeed it of the same kind, held out objects of a far different complexion, which a sure immunity from censure, and a complete freedom from obnoxious comparisons, successfully tended to promote. Lord Albert D'Esterre had turned away from a group of young men with whom he had been conversing, and whose discourse, assuming a tone and character equally indelicate and revolting to his feelings, he thus endeavoured to avoid, when he found himself near Lady Boileau. "Lord Albert D'Esterre," she said, addressing him, "if you will excuse an invitation so destitute of form, will you do Lord Boileau and myself the pleasure of dining with us on Saturday--I will send you a card." Lord Albert bowed with courtesy, and expressed himself sorry that he was already engaged, and, after some conversation of little interest, as Lady Boileau's carriage was announced, she left the room. Leslie Winyard, with the familiarity of one well acquainted, whispered in Lord Albert's ear-- "You have _échappéd belle_ from that." "What do you mean?" asked the latter. "Why, I mean that you have escaped a most uncomfortable concern by just refusing the invitation to the Boileaus." "I thought I heard you say to Lady Boileau but now that you would be delighted to wait upon her." "Oh yes, certainly, one _says_ those sort of things; and if nothing better occurs, one _does_ them;--but it does not always follow: for instance, if any one were to ask me whom I liked better, or if you, or some equally pleasant person, were to propose our dining together at Crockford's--" "I am not a member of Crockford's," said Lord Albert D'Esterre, gravely. "Oh! but your name is down, and _you_ are certain of being admitted on the next ballot, and--" Lord Albert attempted to reply, but Leslie Winyard continued, "and, as I was telling you, if a pleasant dinner was prepared at Crockey's, I should, of course, not starve myself at the Boileaus." "I confess myself at a loss to comprehend what you mean."